2004 Holden Adventra Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2009 Holden Adventra and Crewman as a used buy.

It seems everyone wants to go bush. Ford certainly thought so when it introduced its Territory, so too did Holden when it went down the same track with the Adventra.The Adventra was based on the VY Berlina wagon. It had a high-riding suspension for ground clearance, and a V8 automatic drivetrain, and an all-wheel drive system that gave it the capability off-road.Cross Trac was a permanent all-wheel drive system using three open differentials controlled by sophisticated electronics with a front-to-rear torque-split of 38:62.It's a system built on the car's anti-skid braking system to maintain traction by monitoring the grip at each wheel and selectively applying the brakes to switch torque away from wheels that are starting to slip to ones that have grip.Being based on a traditional wagon the Adventra is different to most off-roaders and should appeal to anyone who wants to drive a normal car around town, but still have the capability to go bush when they want to.Power for the first Adventra came from Holden's proven 235kW 5.7-litre V8 and four-speed automatic transmission.With the Cross Trac system a full-time one there's no call for fiddling with switches or levers to select low range, lock diffs, or do any of the other things off-roaders have to cope with.Ground clearance is critical to off-road driving and the Adventra had 200mm. There was also a front strut brace, a sump guard, and special Bridgestone tyres with thicker tread faces and sidewalls to handle the rough going.Being based on the Berlina meant the Adventra came equipped with plenty of standard features to add to its attraction.The Adventra was made to go off-road, so check for signs of off-road use and move on if you spot anything that says the car you're considering has been used extensively off-road.The initial offering was only available as a V8, and the V8 wasn't without it troubles.Listen particularly for rattles and noises from the engine. They were relatively common, but not all suffered, so look for one that is quiet.The V8 could also burn oil. That's a little more difficult to determine on a quick test drive. You could ask the seller if the car was an oil burner, or had been checked by a Holden dealer.Weight was also an issue with the Adventra, it was a heavy jigger, and that meant the fuel consumption could be high.If you're looking for diesel economy look elsewhere, but driven sensibly the Adventra would return reasonable economy.Importantly it had the grunt needed to comfortably tow a caravan or camper trailer when needed.A recent trip to outback South Australia in an LX8 with a camper trailer on the back returned an average of 15.5L/100 km, and that wasn't sparing the ponies.The Adventra was equipped with special tyres designed to cope with rough, rocky roads, and they're a mite more expensive than your regular tyres.Servicing is also important, so check for a service record to show your chosen car has been well maintained.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Holden Adventura and Crewman as a used buy.

It's a road best tackled in the morning, when concentration levels are high, when visibility is at its best. And as a test track for an all-wheel drive, it's hard to beat, for not only is it never straight, it's also buried deep in snow on some winter days. This month, I was lucky enough to be able to haul the full family – three big kids, two parents, plus a week's worth of ski luggage – up there and back in the big all-wheel drive Holden, the Adventra LX8.And what a good thing it is.Cruising from Sydney, along the Hume Highway via Goulburn, Yass, Gundagai, Holbrook, Albury, then along the Kiewa Valley Highway via pretty Yackandandah and Dederang, the Adventra proved itself a satisfyingly reliable conveyance, with equipment levels to please easily bored teenagers. Which is saying something.But if you think that adds up to something tediously middle-aged, think again. The baritone sound of 5.7 litres remains suggestively audible all the while, reminding the driver of the power that is available.Put your foot gently down and the acceleration is swift but undramatic. Foot down hard and you are pushed back with a snap. The so-called Cross Trac all-wheel drive system imparts a sense of sure-footedness, while the mass of the car – it weighs about 1.9 tonnes – delivers a real feeling of safety and substance.So far, the Adventra hasn't been a big hit in the sales department – apparently on the basis of the perception that it's a gas-guzzling throwback. Well, over a bit more than 1400km, loaded to the gunwales, the Adventra used 12.8L per 100km at an average speed of about 86.5km/hr. Some sixes would struggle to return such figures.Certainly, a two-litre four would use less fuel, but our trip, with our load, would have been an ordeal in a smaller car. In the Holden, the road slipped serenely by.Fuel consumption in the Adventra can be a matter of constant interest to the driver, because a clever function in the trip computer lets you see exactly how much you're using at any given moment.Ease off the throttle and the readout shows an instant fuel flow reduction. Accelerate up a hill or to pass, and the readout can shoot up to frightening levels. So there's a constant reminder to be a bit feather-footed, which is no bad thing.On our adventure, we tried just about every feature in the Adventra, except the airbags and the spare wheel, and everything ran like a Swiss watch. The cruise-control, the sunroof, the electric seats, the lush leather interior – all pretty swish. And the Blaupunkt sound system – teenage tastes in music notwithstanding -- was superb.Oh, and that winding road from Mt Beauty to Falls Creek. On the way up, the road was clear, but lead skies threatened snow, and we were not disappointed.A few days later, on the return trip, snow and ice meant lesser mortals in two-wheel drives were delving around in the slush, fumbling with frozen fingers to fit chains.But not us. The Adventra pulled itself out of its deep hole in the snow without fuss, and we loaded up for the last downhill run.For about 20km the road was white, so we weren't setting any speed records.But without chains, the car showed no hint of a slip or slide, the Cross Trac system combining with the ABS to provide precise control on every corner. So much so, it was almost disappointing to come upon dry road.Then home again via the Hume; first stop The Dog on the Tucker Box, where we tossed a coin into the wishing well. We all wished for the same thing – another holiday.

Forget the hype: it is time to discover which of Australia's big three brands has the best crossover wagon.The new wave of all-wheel-drives have been tagged the ultimate vehicles for drivers who spend most of their time in the city, but want to head for the hills at the weekend.The only way to find a winner was to run the Ford Territory, Holden Adventra and Toyota Kluger through the ultimate Australian test.We subjected all three to rush-hour traffic, highway cruising, a charge through the forest, a river crossing and a steep hill climb to find a winner.The Kluger is based on the Camry and is imported from Japan, while the Adventra (built off a Commodore wagon base) is built in Adelaide and was developed here with a budget of $125 million.Ford's Territory was developed locally for $500 million, shares its drivetrain and some other components with Falcon, and is built here in Victoria.Adventra is currently only available with the GEN III 5.7-litre V8, with a new V6 arriving late this year. Ford uses the Falcon's 4.0-litre twin-cam in-line six, while the Kluger has a 3.3-litre V6 from the Lexus RX330.For our test we chose a Kluger CVX, Adventra CX8 and Territory Ghia all-wheel-drive which lined-up on price.Holden AdventraIgnore the styling, because this Adventra is more than just a Commodore wagon with cladding. It can handle some serious off-road work and has tough under-body protection.Holden engineers have done a good job with a limited budget to turn a regular wagon into an all-wheel-drive machine fit for the Australian Outback.But the Adventra lags behind when it comes to refinement and comfort.It can crash and bang over harsh ruts that the Kluger and Territory cruise over, but rides well on less brutal bumps on tarmac and dirt.The Adventra's automatic transmission is too harsh for stop-start traffic and the steering is too heavy.The engine grunt is brilliant, but the V8 is the thirstiest engine of the three and still doesn't sound like a V8. A V6 would have fared better.The Adventra, along with the Territory, feels heavy (because they are) and Holden engineers will no doubt look for ways to reduce the weight.Interior space is a step behind its rivals, and the lack of a fold-away third row of seats counts against it.Kluger and Territory can be used as legitimate people movers, the Adventra is not so suitable.It is also rather expensive when you compare prices and specifications, but much of this extra price is due to the V8 premium.Our Adventra suffered no underbody damage but it broke down when the alternator died, along with the ABS module. Holden says the module was a pre-production part which didn't have the right seal, and is investigating the alternator failure.Toyota KlugerToyota has an enviable reputation in Australia for producing four-wheel-drives that are tough, capable and reliable. It is also known for building cars that can function well, but are mundane to drive and to look at. The Kluger reinforces all of these impressions.In some ways, the vanilla car is the pick of the bunch.It survived our torture test with the least damage, just some minor dents to the under-body cladding and is the best when it comes to tougher off-road duty, with its soft suspension absorbing many of the jolts and bumps.It is quite refined, has seven seats and is comfortable enough, but the Kluger is not fun to drive.The soft suspension means there is more body roll in turns and the Kluger feels more truck-like than the others.The steering is light and you feel little connection with the road.It also drives like a front-wheel-drive when pushed hard and can tend to push through corners.The Kluger's 3.3-litre V6 will be enough for many commuters, but it lacks the pull or punch of the Territory six or the Adventra's V8. You have to push it hard if you want to keep up the pace and the automatic can tend to hunt around for the right gear.Passenger comfort is excellent and there is a quality feel to the interior, which is spacious, and the fold-down third row of seats is a good standard feature in the CVX.Value for money is reasonable and you will spend less on fuel, but options push the price up.Ford TerritoryThe Territory is not as much fun to drive as a Falcon, but for an all-wheel-drive, it's great.Ford has managed to make the Territory sit flat through corners, rather than roll like a traditional four-wheel-drive.The engine is reasonably thirsty, but is well suited to the car and has loads of torque.The Ford was the first to scrape on the ground over tough terrain and it is obvious that engineers chose to sacrifice a higher level of off-road ability for driving pleasure, but the Territory can still go further on the dirt than all but a few owners would venture.The Ford's interior is the best – a lot of thought has gone into handy spaces and wet storage areas in the back.The third row of seats is excellent, though access from the second row could be better, and there is plenty of interior room.The steering is a little light, but the Territory is the best handling car of the bunch.On slippery dirt tracks, the Territory's stability control system shines and works constantly to keep it in control.The optional hill-descent control ($865) works a treat and the side curtain airbag (standard on Ghia) is an excellent addition.The Territory is the best value. The Ghia AWD lined up with the cheapest Adventra and mid-range Kluger, while the TX Territory costs less and the TX rear-wheel-drive is the cheapest of all at $38,990.But there were some dramas with our Territory after it bumped through a rutted mud-pool.Its metal fuel tank cover bent and rubbed against the driveshaft (above) but we were able to fix it with a tyre lever. Ford says this problem has been sorted for the production car. The Ford also went into "limp home" mode after the water crossing, but dried out and continued as normal.The Herald Sun are giving you a chance to win one of two four-wheel-driving courses at the Melbourne 4x4 Training and Proving Ground at Werribee Gorge. See this week's Herald Sun CARSguide for details.

The all-wheel drive version of the Commodore wagon has copped a serve for its lack of off road ability and "excessive" fuel consumption.While it is as guilty as sin on both counts the Adventra is still a very likeable, knockabout kind of a vehicle – it just depends what you're looking for?We clocked up 1500km behind the wheel of a top of the line LX8 and it might fly in the face of popular opinion, but we reckon it's a good thing – although there is obviously room for improvement.The Adventra has strong road presence, sitting higher than your average Commodore with large wheels, plenty of cladding and flared wheel arches. Twin tailpipes and the note from the big V8 command attention.It's Commodore comfy inside, with big plush leather seats that in the LX8 are a lift from the SS wagon. Plenty of room in the back for the kids, with a seven seat option..The LX8 is fitted out to Calais specs with green lit instrumentation and knobs are all easy to find and use. Pajero style roll and incline meters are an interesting addition.Plenty of room for luggage, especially with the cargo barrier fitted, although extra storage bins either side in the back eat into the load space. Rear glass opens separately which is handy for shopping but a good way of filling the back with dust or rainwater.The big 5.7-litre V8 churns out 235kW of power and 460Nm of torque, more than enough oomph for any occasion. Towing is a breeze although maximum weight is limited to 2100kg. Four-speed auto is standard and maybe it is just us but we found the shift action awkward to use.Initial reports from the trip computer showed a scary 20 plus litres per 100km, but with steady driving we managed to get this down to 16L/100km which is on par with any large 4WD – and this is a large 4WD.The Cross-Trac all wheel drive system distributes torque permanently in a 38-62 split between the front and rear wheels and provides good stability on dirt roads.Performance is strong but it is not as responsive as an ordinary Holden V8 sedan or wagon, bearing in mind that the vehicle weighs in at almost 2 tonnes.We gave the Adventra a good workout on a variety of sealed and unsealed country roads, as well as rougher dirt tracks and water crossings. It is no rock hopper but it will go any where the average owner is likely to venture.Having said this steep descents require constant braking and the suspension is prone to bottoming out when the going gets rough.Lots of goodies including driver, passenger and side airbags, six disc CD player, climate control air and rear park assist. The LX8 priced at $60,990 adds sunroof, leather trim and premium audio system.

They are the new station wagons – mid-sized soft-roaders with city manners and Aussie buyers can't get enough of them.CarsGuide took three of the best away for a shakedown and put them through their paces on Sydney city roads, on highways, back roads and on the dirt.For the first time Ford's brand-new Territory was tested head-to-head with its only Aussie-made rival, Holden's Adventra, and the one-most-likely to wear an Aussie-made sticker before too long, Toyota's Kluger.With a huge disparity between aspects of the cars – the Adventra LX8 is V8 only, Territory Ghia sports a 4.0-litre straight six, while Kluger's CVX powerplant is a high-tech 3.3-litre V6 – raw figures were never going to provide a level playing field.Instead, we have attempted to rate the performance of the three models on real-world standards; their strengths and weaknesses in areas where a buyer would most likely be interested.Each of the testers was asked to rate various aspects of the vehicles out of a possible five points. Each vehicle was left with a score out of a possible 330.The dynamics of the vehicles – driveability in various conditions, ride, manoeuvreability, NVH – were scored out of a possible 105 points; the interior aspects – design, functionality, quality of materials, comfort, fit and finish – were worth 75 points; safety earned a possible 60 points; with drivetrain, wheels and tyre choices and exterior presence and design making up the balance.DYNAMICSTerritory 88 | Kluger 85 | Adventra 79Territory scored high marks for its city behaviour and manoeuvreability with sedan-like handling and turning circle. It also rated well on open roads but lost some ground with NVH, mainly through tyre roar.Kluger set benchmark NVH levels and also scored well for life around town with light steering and a comfortable and compliant ride without giving up on handling.For Adventra there were some big mark-downs with heavy steering and poor manoeuvreability in the city but the car came into its own on the open road and particularly on unmade and broken surfaces. The Adventra is very much a country lad.INTERIORTerritory 62 | Adventra 60 | Kluger 59Territory touched out the opposition here through consistency rather than any special feature – although the 32 storage nooks and crannies were hard to beat. Lots of clever ideas, mid-range quality not likely to offend.Holden's feel-at-home interior scored strongly for the Adventra as did the comfort of the big seats. Most controls were well placed and the general layout of the interior was good. Could lose the dash-mounted tilt gauges.The Kluger interior is very Toyota – inoffensive and generally well laid out. Some centre console controls are a little difficult to reach. Overall it is something you could live with and there are a few nice touches spread through the cabin.SAFETYTerritory 56 | Adventra 53 | Kluger 53The inclusion of curtain airbags, a full-functioning dynamic stability control and an adjustable pedal box gave Territory the leg up.Adventra and Kluger both rated well for general passive safety but Kluger lost a little ground with a less-than-convincing brake-pedal feel. The optional safety pack for Kluger – curtain airbags and stability control – was included to bring the mid-spec CVX up to par with the other pair.Overall an impressive performance.DRIVETRAINTerritory 36 | Kluger 36 | Adventra 36The three contenders scored well here but in some markedly different areas.Adventra's power and torque gave the Holden major credit points but it lost more than a few of them when the fuel figures, a tad over 20.0l/100km average, came in.Territory also scored well for the flexibility of its straight six while its 16.6l/100km average was better than Adventra but not brilliant.Kluger kicked a goal at the petrol bowser with a 13.4l/100km average. The V6 is a very nice unit and coupled to the five-speed automatic it provides a very useable drive.WHEELS/TYRESTerritory 29 | Adventra 29 | Kluger 29All three should be commended for including a full-size spare on an alloy rim. Tyre choices were middle-of-the-road with tread patterns leaning towards a life in the city but with enough versatility to make soft-roading a viable option. Kluger's drop-down storage of the spare wheel made getting to it a little easier when the boot was loaded.EXTERIORTerritory 13 | Adventra 13 | Kluger 12The Kluger suffers from being the oldest of the three, having been launched overseas in 2001.Adventra's familiar Commodore wagon lines cannot be hidden under the extra plastic bits and raised ride-height.Territory's edge is that the look, while generically a 4WD, is all new and works. On the road the car is eye-catching with a rear three-quarter profile to envy.Both Territory and Adventra won praise for the lift-up rear glass giving the option of dropping shopping or small items into the rear without having to open the tailgate fully.THE VERDICTSFord TerritoryPrice:TX RWD $38,990TX AWD $42,990TS RWD $44,790TS AWD $48,790Ghia RWD $49,290Ghia AWD (model tested) $53,290Engine: 4.0-litre in-line sixPower: 182 kW@5000 rpmTorque: 380 Nm@3250 rpmFuel consumption on test: 16.6 litres/100 kmTransmission: Four speed automaticGround clearance: 178mmDimensions: Length: 4856mm; Height: 1676mm; Width: 1898mmWheelbase: 2842mmCARSguide team verdictsKevin Hepworth: Go straight to the top of the class. Versatile, stylish and displays the benefits of taking longer and getting it right.David Fitzsimons: Tough, solid vehicle that looks like a small 4WD. Performs well on the highway and on the dirt. Bold BA Falcon interior.Jaedene Hudson: Very tough off-roader, handles like a more sophisticated 4WD on the rougher terrain. More pockets and storage compartments than you'll probably ever use.TOTAL TEST POINTS: 284 (1st) Toyota KlugerPrice:CV $45,990CVX $48,990 (model tested)Grande $58,990Engine: 3.3 litre V6Power: 172kW@5600rpmTorque: 328Nm@3600rpmFuel consumption on test: 13.4 litres/100kmTransmission: 5 speed autoGround clearance: 184mm (Grande 187mm)Dimensions: Length: 4690mm; Width: 1825mm; Height: 1735mm (CV 1680mm)Wheelbase: 2715mmCARSguide team verdictsKevin Hepworth: Nice lightweight performer showing a little ageing around the edges. Hits the mark in the normal day-to-day driving that will dominate this style of car's use.David Fitzsimons: Lighter ride, softer, smaller and much quieter inside than its competitors. Nonetheless it handles all conditions well. Interior dashboard arrangement is looking a bit tired.Jaedene Hudson: The quietest of the bunch. Nice light ride and steering but still handles the terrain without any fuss.TOTAL TEST POINTS: 274 (2nd) Holden AdventraPrice:CX8 $52,990LX8 $60,990 (model tested)Engine: 5.7 litre V8Power: 235 kW@5200rpmTorque: 460Nm@4000rpmFuel consumption on test: 20.0 litres/100kmTransmission: 4 speed autoGround clearance: 200mmDimensions: Length: 5036mm, Width: 1934mm, Height: 1654mmWheelbase: 2948mmCarsGuide team verdictsKevin Hepworth: Launched in a flurry with tough, Outback images to the fore. Has some issues with city living but out in the big country it is hard to fault - pity that is not where the majority of these cars will operate.David Fitzsimons: Looks like a beefed-up Commodore wagon, has a great V8 sound and loves the open road and long dirt stretches. However the level of road noise is annoying and it is thirsty on fuel.Jaedene Hudson: Dirt roads are what the Adventra was made for and it shows. Nice comfortable ride. Noise interruption on the open road is intrusive. Overly heavy around town and to manoeuvre.TOTAL TEST POINTS: 270 (3rd)Which car would you buy? Let us know in the comments below.

BIG Red is an Aussie outback icon. It's a giant sand dune just outside Birdsville on the edge of the Simpson Desert, and anyone who is serious about an Australian four-wheel-drive adventure needs to tick the Big Red box before they can say they've done it all.Plenty of vehicles have been defeated by the Big Red challenge, which is why Holden's engineers decided they had to climb the sandy slope as part of the development program for their new all-wheel-drive hero car.Their Adventra tamed Big Red, got a tick in the box, and is out to conquer showrooms across the country.Based on early results, and the interest attracted by the Adventra, Holden has a winner. It drives well, will tackle big slopes and tough towing and is the start of a family of Cross Trac-equipped cars which will rumble out of the bush and into the high-performance world.The HSV Coupe 4 is already set for action in 2004.Holden will have a tougher time when Ford rolls its Territory into action, but that's a different style of vehicle and the red team is confident its Adventra and Cross 8 workhorse will still do the job.The Adventra is based on a Berlina wagon, with high-rider suspension, a V8 automatic power pack and the Cross Trac system that's the key to its extra abilities.Cross Trac cost Holden $125 million and four years to develop. It's a permanent all-wheel-drive system using three ¿open¿ differentials with high-tech electronics, and torque split 38:62 front-to-rear.That's technical chat for a system that is just about transparent in normal driving, but uses the Adventra's anti-skid braking system &$150; working in reverse &$150; to maintain driving in tricky conditions.It constantly measures the grip at each corner and applies the brakes to take torque away from any wheel which is starting to slip.Holden claims the Adventra is the successor to truck-based four-wheel-drives, but it's not the first manufacturer to get the message.Subaru was a long way down the road by the time Fishermens Bend got going, which explains why a lot of people think the Adventra looks like a big Subaru Outback.It's one solution for people who want a weekend off-roader and a weekday commuter car in the same package, but it's not the only one.Toyota has the new Camry-based Kluger and the Territory will be a threat.But the Adventra pack is a good one, using the strengths of Holden's regular station wagon and its 235kW V8 engine.It has a full 200mm of ground clearance, a front strut brace, sump guard and special Bridgestone Turanza tyres.The Adventra isn't cheap, but $52,990 for the CX8 is competitive and the LX8 looks good at $60,990 against higher-priced European rivals.WE wondered, at first, about the Adventra. Was it just a Holden rip-off from the Subaru Outback?Was it just a patch-up job to give Holden some sort of four-wheel-drive contender? Was it too big and too heavy for off-road work?Then we drove it. A lot. We spent most of our time in the CX8, but also lounged in the LX8 for a few days.We commuted and found it was still comfortable and quiet, tackled big slopes and realised it could cope easily with typical four-wheel-drive challenges. And we went a bit feral at a private four-wheel-drive park on the outskirts of Melbourne and learned the Adventra could cope easily.Then we watched the Holden highlights tape, which includes pulling a two-tonne boat out of a dam and up a loose gravel slope, and we were converted.We still think the Adventra is too heavy, and far too thirsty, but most people who shop the car will find plenty to like. It will definitely become a tow-car icon.Our only other disappointment is the car's transmission. It is the old four-speed auto that is still soldiering on across the Commodore family, but it shows its age with slow changes and no sign of the touch-change shift systems that are common in all of its rivals, including the Ford Falcon and Mitsubishi Magna.The Adventra is a tough looking beast, but it is still a Commodore wagon at heart and that means a comfortable driving position, plenty of space for five adults, and a huge luggage area.It has also picked up the classy luggage lock-down system used by Saab, which makes the tail end more versatile.The Adventra weighs a little under two tonnes and you feel it, although Holden has changed the differential ratio to keep the car sprightly from stop lights.It rocks and rolls more in corners, without the front-end precision of a basic Commodore sedan, but it is never a problem.It is a little tougher to park, because vision out the back is restricted, but the decision to fit parking radar will compensate.We enjoyed our four-wheel-drive time in the Adventra.It will climb tough slopes, as well as descending without giving you a fright, and does it without the scrabbling feel or suspension thump that comes with a lot of old-fashioned off-roaders.If you compare it with the Audi Allroad and Volvo XC70 wagon it has more grunt and impressive grip, and is far better value. And you'd be far more likely to risk a few scratches in the bush.The Adventra isn't perfect, but it's an impressive first effort and we cannot wait to see where the Cross Trac system is headed. The Coupe 4 sounds as if it is going to be a star.